FLOWS SYMPOSIUM, Part 4: Examples of Managed Flow Regimes – Possible Models for the Delta?
; Panel Discussion.
The Science of Natural Flows to the Delta, explored how the hydrologic regime of Delta inflows are impacted by land-use changes, diversions from the watershed, and climate change.
DR. CLIFFORD DAHM: Examples of Managed Flow Regimes – Possible Models for the Delta?
Dr. Clifford Dahm began by noting that his presentation will present possible models for the Delta, drawing on some of the work he’s done over the last 15 years relating to the issue of flows and setting flow criteria in systems that have a high degree of human impact and human management.
PANEL DISCUSSION: The science of natural functional flows to the Delta “Some would argue that more storage in the system would actually benefit native species and our ability to provide environmental flows,” began moderator Chris Enright.
“It could be that would allow us to harvest wet year flows.
The question is, do we maintain wet years as natural flow years or do we harvest those years and use those waters in other year times, perhaps dry year types?” “Dr.
Petts talked about a smart flow regime that would identify base flows and protect those, identify flood flows and protect those, and then, allow for some percentage of sort of natural flow pattern in the mid range.
Protect those at a disturbance regime.